WHAT'S NEW
FOR YOUR PATIENT'S AND PRACTICE

New base curve for aspheric lens

CooperVision, Inc. announces the addition of a new base curve to the fast-growing Frequency 55 Aspheric lens. In addition to the 8.7-mm base curve currently available, Frequency 55 Aspheric lenses now include an 8.4-mm base curve with sphere powers ranging from -0.25D to -8.00D.

Frequency 55 Aspheric parameters are:

• Material: methafilcon A
• Base curves: 8.7, 8.4
• Diameter: 14.4
• Sphere powers: 8.7D -10.00D to +8.00D (0.50D steps after -8.00D) 8.4D -0.25D to -8.00D (0.25D steps).

The aspheric lens provides enhanced acuity for low astigmats, emerging presbyopes or anyone seeking crisper vision than is achieved with spherical lenses.

For more information, call CooperVision at (800) 538-7824.

Lower-viscosity gel

OcuSoft, Inc. introduces Tears Again Gel Drops, a lower-viscosity alternative to the company's Tears Again Night & Day Lubricant Gel. The company determined that a lower-viscosity gel would benefit patients in the lower range of dry eye complaints. These patients didn't have to instill the Night & Day gel more than 2 or 3 times per day, but they were noticeably uncomfortable as the initial effects wore off. The result was Tears Again Gel Drops -- offering all the advantages of gel technology, but in a lower viscosity formula and available in convenient 15-ml dropper bottles.

Troy E. Smith, director of sales and marketing noted, "We're excited about our ability to customize a treatment program -- a program that's individual and tailored to the specific needs of the patient."

For more information, call OcuSoft, Inc. at (800) 233-5469.

New 4x magnifier

Eschenbach recently introduced a new pocket magnifier with a 16.00D lens. The new 1510-41 is an illuminated, hand-held magnifier that offers magnification of 4x (16.00D) using a lens that's 60 mm in diameter. The magnifier features the company's cera-tec coating, which greatly enhances scratch resistance, making the acrylic lens nearly glass hard. In addition, the 1510-41 includes a hinged handle that keeps both the top and bottom portions together once open, thereby eliminating alignment problems when closing the handle.

Also, Eschenbach is offering an in-depth, hands-on workshop developed to assist those interested in low vision. The seminar, called Dispensing Low Vision Aids, is approved for 3 continuing education credits by ABO and JCAHPO. The course topics, to name a few, include causes of low vision, special needs of the visually impaired and a hands-on learning session with a wide range of vision aids.

The dates and locations for this seminar are as follows:

• March 1 - Minneapolis, Minn.
• March 7 - Jacksonville, Fla.; Seattle, Wash.; Kansas City, Mo.
• March 8 - Savannah, Ga.; Olympia, Wash.
• March 14 - Frederick, Md.
• March 15 - Alexandria, Va.
• March 20 - Omaha, Nebr.
• March 21 - Brandon, S.Dak.; Tallahassee, Fla.
• March 27 - Raleigh-Durham, N.C.

For more information, call (877) 422-7300.

New service for O.D.s

Hayes Consulting and Optometric Management are offering a unique, new benchmarking tool for O.D.s that will:

• show your practice performance
• help you identify overhead problems.

The Hayes Practice Index is a concise, three-page report that measures your productivity and analyzes your overhead to allow you to compare your practice to other similarly sized practices on a quarterly basis. To participate, all you have to do is fill out a standard form once per quarter and then fax, mail or e-mail it back. Hayes Consulting will compile the data and send you a report customized just for your practice.

Right now, there's a special introductory offer. You'll save $100 off your annual fee -- a $395 value for only $295 -- when you sign up by March 31. For more information, call (800)588-9636.